Homeowners living alongside a railway line in North Somerset could be facing a summer of sleepless nights. Network Rail has written to people living along the train line in Backwell Common and Long Ashton warning them of work to cut back vegetation and trees.

The work is due to take place overnight every Saturday in July - between 10.30pm and 8am - and again on dates in August. Network Rail says the work is necessary to ensure the tracks are safe and has already apologised to local residents for any disruption caused.

Local residents have been written to warning them that disruption is possible. A spokesman for Network Rail said: “The safety of the general public, travelling passenger and our staff is a number one priority.

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“Uncontrolled vegetation can pose a serious risk to the safe running of the railway. This year, during Storm Eunice in February, we received more than 140 reports of fallen trees and branches and trampolines and other items on the tracks.

“Thankfully no passengers were injured or train drivers harmed. However the impact of a fallen tree could have been much worse.

“Incidents like these can lead to long delays for our passengers which affects the whole of the UK network.” The first overnight work is due to start on June 25-26. It will also take place every Saturday night in July on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

The work will continue into August - on the weekends of August 6/7 and 13/14. The spokesman added: “The work will be carried out considering the safety risks to passengers, trains and our staff, the natural environment, bird nesting and the local community.”

Before any work is undertaken, Network Rail will inspect the vegetation and undertake ecological surveys. The work will involve stripping or removing trees eight metres from the outer running rail or to the boundary fence, whichever is the lesser.

It will also include investigation any vegetation growing on third party owned land which may pose a risk to the railway. The spokesman added: “The nature of the work often means some disturbance is unavoidable.

“Our team are aware that they are working close to homes and try to minimise disruption as much as possible but we apologise in advance for disturbance during the works.” Anyone who wants to find out more can ring the 24 helpline on 03457 114141.

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